Start-up advice

We’ll guide you through the process of setting up your business, step by step

GSU’s Gateway Start-up Service supports students, researchers, staff and alumni in developing and implementing innovative business ideas in the sport and health sectors. From the initial idea through to the business model and financing, right up to the spin-off, we provide personalised and confidential support throughout the entire start-up process.

Foto von drei Personen die einen Flyer auf dem Tisch betrachten

We can help you with:

Our advisory services are aimed at students, researchers, staff and alumni of the German Sport University Cologne or the Gateway Universities in Cologne.

 

  • Initial advice on starting a business
  • Advice on funding
  • Advice on intellectual property rights
  • When looking for co-founders
  • Start-up and alumni advice
  • Transfer funding 

Advice on setting up your business

Do you have a question about your business start-up plans, or would you like to find out more about funding opportunities?

With us, you don’t need a fully-fledged business plan. You don’t even need to have decided yet how you want to finance your business idea. We’re happy to advise and support you – from your initial idea right through to success.

We’ll advise you on suitable funding programmes and support services available at the German Sport University Cologne and in the region, to help you develop your start-up idea into a business model and bring your start-up project to fruition. 

In-depth advice on funding

Do you have a knowledge-based, innovative start-up idea and are you interested in applying for funding programmes designed to support start-ups?

Then you’ve come to the right place! 

  • Support to refine and further develop your knowledge-based business idea
  • Support in selecting the right pre-start-up funding programme and guidance through the application process
  • Putting you in touch with suitable contacts at the German Sport University Cologne and within Cologne’s start-up ecosystem

Here’s how it works:

  1. Fill in the consultation form and send it by email

    Please fill in the initial consultation form so that we can get an idea of your plans in advance. 

  2. Arrange an appointment

    We’ll get in touch with you to arrange a suitable time for an initial consultation. 

  3. Our meeting

    During our meeting, you’ll receive initial feedback on your business idea and your specific needs. We’ll help you find the right support within Cologne’s start-up scene and advise you on funding opportunities and programmes to help you prepare for launching your business.

Contact & Documents

Dr.

Sophia Haski

Company Formation & Start-ups

Gateway Start-up Service at the German Sport University Cologne

  • location_on

    Transfer & Start-up Department 
    Am Sportpark Muengersdorf 6
    50933 Cologne

    Institute Building III on the GSU Campus
  • mail gateway(at)dshs-koeln.de

Consultation forms

Find your perfect match!

We’ll help you find your co-founder

Behind most successful start-ups lies a whole team of clever, creative and motivated people. From the brainstorming stage, through the conceptualisation phase, right through to the launch and expansion phases, it usually takes several team members to bring their diverse expertise and ideas to bear.

You can also find co-founders via the following platforms:

  • Found Factory

  • Start-up Job List

  • Signal box

Foto von Personen die gemeinsam an einem Seil ziehen

FAQ

At your initial consultation, you’ll discuss your idea with one of our start-up coaches, receive feedback on your business idea and have the chance to ask any questions you may have. You’ll also receive practical advice on your next steps. 

Please complete the consultation form and send it to the following email address: gateway(at)dshs-koeln.de. Our start-up coaches will then get in touch with you to discuss the next steps.

Don’t worry, you don’t need a fully-fledged business plan for us to advise you! First of all, let’s have a chat about your idea. We’d be happy to show you how you can then develop and refine your idea.

We’ll, of course, continue to advise you and help you find your way through the start-up jungle! This includes advice on all sorts of topics, support with writing applications for start-up grants, for example, or giving you access to our extensive start-up network or other start-up programmes, etc.

No problem! We organise various events where you can either team up with others who have an idea, or get in touch with us and we’ll match you with a suitable team!

#makeideaswork

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